People talk about the supporters at St James Park, and how they understand the game, but I feel precisely the opposite.
The fans have played a massive part in this relegation by their unrealistic expectations. They have made St James Park a very difficult place for their team to play in by eroding their confidence.
The man I feel sorry for at Newcastle United is Alan Shearer. I think that he has shown bravery and courage in taking on a dysfunctional football club at the possible expense of his own reputation.
The chairman Mike Ashley has now lost a lot of money. He spent £134 million in buying the club, and has put in another £100 million. But he has ignored the whole traditions of the football club, and has shown the same level of arrogance as former chairman Freddy Shepherd.
It is extraordinary that the four teams fighting for their lives on the final Sunday could not scrape a single point between them. Hull City and Sunderland can consider themselves very fortunate. Of their last seven games, Hull have got one point, whilst Sunderland have got four from their last ten games!
For those teams, it means a new start.
Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn can replace Ricky Sbragia, and start again. For Hull, their chairman has to keep Phil Brown away from the media and the microphone, and tell him to concentrate on the management.
Pat Dolan was talking as part of Setanta Ireland's Premier League coverage.